Instagram does it again.
At least we can say they’re consistently inconsistent. Instagram removed promotions for HBO’s newest series for violating their community guidelines.
For years, Instagram’s censorship has been critiqued by users for its inconsistency. All too often, users will post an image and be alerted to a violation of their community guidelines. This violation can result in the removal of the post and, in some instances, a ban on their account.
While the company argues this is to keep all in-app scrolling appropriate for the workplace, these violations have disproportionately affected many marginalized groups. Queer and black creators find themselves targeted more often than other users. Not to mention any woman who dares show herself breastfeeding.
Now, it seems even major entertainment companies like HBO can’t avoid Instagram’s overreaching censorship issue.
Related | Here’s the Uncensored ‘Vanity Fair’ Cover Instagram Removed
What is the HBO Show Minx About?
In a promotion for their newest series, Minx, HBO released a post on IG, the social media platform deemed too explicit.
Set in the 1970s, Minx follows Joyce, played by Ophelia Lovibond, “an earnest young feminist who joins forces with a low-rent publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women.” Based on that synopsis, you might assume the post was too risque. But in reality, the clip showed a character named Shane walking out of the shower with his man bits covered by an overstated star graphic. Luckily the post appears to be back up now.
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Taylor Zakhar Perez, who plays Shane on the show, shared the violation notification he received after promoting his upcoming episodes. The message read, “We don’t allow people to facilitate, encourage or coordinate sexual activity on Instagram.” Even after receiving the warning, Perez went ahead and reposted the video promo with the caption, “Now that I have your full attention…” with the official show and network handles attached.
In this case, any publicity is good publicity for a new show. We know we will be tuning in to see what was under that star. Will you be watching? Check out the trailer below.
